who have you misjudged today?

The people we meet on the road of life leave impressions on us and shape the way we see the world and those in it. Sometimes those we meet challenge our assumptions. Such was the case for J. K. Rowling.

When Rowling was nineteen, a huge, hairy Hell’s Angel biker sat down next to her in a British pub. She found him terrifying at first, but her perspective changed once he began discussing his garden, sharing how his petunias were having a hard time that year. Rowling drew inspiration from this burly biker when creating the affable character Hagrid in her Harry Potter books. 

I’m not sure what it is about bikers, but they seem to convey a tough and terrifying image. J. K. Rowling’s encounter gave her a new perspective about bikers and reminded her that looks can be deceiving. The bikers in BACA might give you a new perspective as well.

I first heard about BACA, the Bikers Against Child Abuse, from my friend Randy. He’s a Hagrid-like biker and one of the most kind-hearted people I know. He was a member of BACA. It’s a group of bikers dedicated to creating a safer environment for abused children. They empower kids who have been abused to not feel afraid of the world in which they live. Their motto is simple, no child deserves to live in fear. 

They build relationships with kids, drive by and check in. Sometimes they are present at a kid’s home during vulnerable periods. BACA members also attend court dates with kids when they are testifying against their abusers. The Bikers Against Child Abuse members are there for moral support, to remind the kids there’s no need to be afraid. 

It’s easy to misjudge and misunderstand each other. Misplaced assumptions and extrapolations from our previous experiences. The Bikers Against Child Abuse, and the petunia-loving Hell’s Angel in England, are wonderful reminders that we should invest the time to really get to know the people around us. The very people that frighten us may be the ones who can free us from living in fear. 

Kudos to the members of Bikers Against Child Abuse for standing with vulnerable kids and helping them overcome fear. And for reminding everyone not to judge people by their leather jackets and motorcycles.